In winter, the days are short, and we’re busy racing from one thing to the next. Matariki gives whānau a reason to pause and make room for the things that really matter. It’s also a great opportunity to introduce children to one of Aotearoa’s most important cultural celebrations.
What is Matariki?
Matariki marks the Māori New Year and the reappearance of the Matariki star cluster in the winter sky. Traditionally, it’s a time to remember those who have passed, celebrate the present, and think about the year ahead.
You don’t need to have grown up in te ao Māori to celebrate Matariki with your family. In fact, if your whānau doesn’t have any Matariki traditions, there’s no better time to start.
Why Matariki matters for tamariki
Matariki is fantastic for encouraging gratitude, sparking curiosity about the natural world, and fostering a sense of belonging. Those same ideas run through the Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whāriki, where children are encouraged to develop a strong sense of who they are, where they belong, and how they relate to the world around them.
Simple ways to celebrate Matariki at home
Celebrating Matariki doesn’t need to involve anything elaborate. Look up at the stars, talk about the changing seasons, and ask your child what they’re looking forward to. You might be surprised to hear their answer!
Some of our other favourite Matariki activities are planting flowers or vegetables together and talking about how they’ll grow, cooking a favourite whānau meal, learning new words in te reo Māori, or asking everyone around the table to share something they’re grateful for.
If your little one enjoys getting creative, you could try creating decorations for your home, cutting stars out of paper or even fallen leaves.
How Koru Kids celebrates Matariki
At Koru Kids Early Learning Centre, Matariki is a chance to come together as a community and celebrate one of Aotearoa’s most important cultural events. Whānau are always welcome to be part of these celebrations, because children learn so much from seeing their home and centre connected.
And, while Matariki may only be celebrated once a year, our commitment to te ao Māori continues year-round. In Te Aroha, Mahira, and Pakiki rooms, tamariki enjoy waiata and storytelling every day, building an appreciation for Māori language, culture, and traditions through play.
A time to celebrate together
Whether your family celebrates Matariki every year or this is your first time, spending time together is a great place to start.
Koru Kids Early Learning Centre nurtures curiosity, belonging, and culturally aware learning through play-based education. Book a tour to experience our environment for yourself, or find answers to common questions in our FAQs.